Sand + Sun = Glass. This project by Markus Kayser is an amazing example of what is possible. The technology is based on sintering – a method used to create objects from powders. Markus has created a machine that uses the sun’s energy to manufacture 3D objects using sand. In sintering, powders are heated to just below the melting temperature, at which point the powder diffuses evenly and is bonded together forming a cermic-like...
This weekend, I finally removed my old chimney. We have a small cabinet in the kitchen that is oddly dimensioned and just doesn’t make sense. I pulled out the shelves to see if I could remove this space waster and found what looked like a hearth with a water hookup. It turns out, my oddly shaped shelf was a wood-fired water heater at one time. Hence the chimney. Since I have no use for this chimney and it appears to have been an addition...
The Californian State Senate passed a bill (SB 2X) this week which will require California utilities to get a third of their power from wind, solar, geothermal and other renewable sources by 2020. The bill was authored by Senator Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto). Opponents said it would drive up electricity bills for homeowners and manufacturers. In a report two years ago, the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) said energy costs would...
I just came across Edmunds’ infographic on vehicle depreciation. If you are curious about your own car’s depreciation in value, scroll down to the calculator and find out. ; Content on this page requires a newer version of Adobe Flash Player. Source: How Fast Does A New Car Lose...
Don’t get me wrong – I’m glad I’m driving a Prius. When I bought it in 2007, I was aware of the fact that the production process of a Prius is not exactly ‘green’. Wired magazine ran a story that suggested buying a used car instead, which I considered doing. Here is the problem though – how do we move technology forward towards a gasoline free automotive world? If we continue to deal with the devil we...
Over the weekend, I set up a worm composting bin. Worms eat as much as their own body weight each day. Which means a small composting bin is sufficient to dispose of an average families food waste. To learn more about how to set up a composting bin take a look at this video from 365 Days of Trash. ...
